Skoufis Kindergarten Mandate Bill Passes Full Legislature

**PRESS RELEASE**
Skoufis Kindergarten Mandate Bill Passes Full Legislature

Senator James Skoufis' (D-Hudson Valley) legislation to allow boards of education to require five-year-olds to attend kindergarten passed the full legislature. The bill passed in the Senate in March, in the Assembly the first week of June, and is now being delivered to the Governor’s desk to be signed. Currently, only eight school districts in the state are granted permission by the Legislature to mandate kindergarten attendance within their district.

Skoufis has championed kindergarten education in New York State since his time in the Assembly. Last year, he successfully secured an agreement to achieve universal, full-day kindergarten, and as a result, North Rockland transitioned to full-day kindergarten in September of 2018 and Washingtonville will transition to a full-day program in September of 2019.

“I’ve remained laser focused in my commitment to deliver quality kindergarten education for every single student because when children have a well-rounded kindergarten education, it fosters development paramount for their education,” said Senator Skoufis. “We must give school boards the ability to require kindergarten attendance for five-year-olds because it’s a long-overdue step in providing access to education in New York State.”

Elsie Rodriguez, Superintendent of Monroe-Woodbury Central School District said, “The role of kindergarten is more important than ever in fostering our children’s success as they begin school. This bill will ensure that all children have a strong foundation as they start on their educational journey. I thank Senator Skoufis for his continuous efforts in making this a reality for our students.”

The bill will be delivered to the Governor’s desk for consideration.

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